A gang of youths kicked a hedgehog around like a football and then threw it in a bin.

The yobs booted the creature around an alleyway before dumping its bloodied body nearby.

A resident called the RSPCA after spotting the cruel act. Animal rescuers collected the hedgehog and took it to a wildlife rescue centre.

The hedgehog, nicknamed Harry by vets, survived the ordeal and was last night being treated for internal bruising.

RSPCA officers described the incident as horrendous. A spokeswoman said: “To kick a hedgehog around and then leave it injured in a bin is extreme cruelty and we would not hesitate to prosecute.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday and may have seen the youths and can tell us who they are.”

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) worker Tony Neads took the creature to be treated after it was attacked at 5.45pm on Sunday in the alley next to Tollgate Gardens in Eastbourne.

WRAS founder Trevor Weeks said: “It is very worrying that youngsters can inflict so much suffering and violence to another living creature without thinking about the cruelty and pain it causes.

“This behaviour is not acceptable in today’s society and I hope the friends of these people will name and shame those responsible. This is a very cowardly act.”

The hedgehog is being treated at Horsebridge Veterinary Centre in Lower Horsebridge, near Hailsham, where a vet revealed its injuries were a result of prolonged kicking to the body.

Tim McKenzie, the WRAS casualty care manager, said: “The hedgehog is in a critical condition.

“A carer will be taking on the hedgehog from the vets if it survives, and will start the slow process of rebuilding the hedgehog’s health.”

Sussex Police said: “We take any cases of animal cruelty seriously.”

In 2004 The Argus reported a similar case in Hollingbury, Brighton, when youths played football with a hedgehog before battering it to death with a sledgehammer.

Anyone with any information about animal cruelty should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999. All calls will be treated in confidence.